'Crude pipe bomb' removed amid alert

A spokesman for the St Mary's GAC/Clooney Gaels club said that an explosive device went off at the grounds overnight, breaking two windows."It was discovered at 10.30am this morning by club members who arrived to carry out work at the pitch."They found the remains of a device and saw the broken windows."The Crosskeys Road was closed for most of the day while police continued to search the area. The crude pipe bomb has been taken away for forensic examination.SDLP councillor Declan O'Loan told UTV that he believes the attack was "sectarian."He said that he visited the club on Saturday morning."I saw a pipe bomb lying on the ground. There were two batteries, two timing devices lying there."Describing the attack as "very, very serious," he added that club members could have been injured.Those who made and placed this bomb are deeply misguided. The GAA plays a proud and valued part in community life. It merits gratitude and support and not attack. Such an attack causes fear and apprehension and works against everything positive which I and others are working for locally.Cllr Declan O’LoanDaithi McKay, Sinn Féin MLA for the area, has appealed for vigilance in the area."This is a sectarian attack and needs to be condemned outright," he said."I would encourage people and other clubs in the area to be extremely vigilant and anyone with information relating to the attack or any suspicious activity to bring it forward to the police."Such attacks belong in the past and no one wants to see any more of these attacks or any tit-for-tat attacks in response to this."Ulster GAA President Martin McAviney said: "Ulster GAA condemn outright the pipe bomb attack on Clooney Gaels GAA Club this morning. Clooney Gaels GAA is a strong family focused volunteer sports Club that contributes significantly to its local community."An attack on any community facility in particular one that has a significant youth provision is shameful and reprehensible. The GAA remains committed to the development of a shared future based on the principles of tolerance and respect and we will continue to engage in dialogue right across the community to enhance good relations and tolerance," he added."Our officials have been fully briefed by the PSNI on this morning's attack and we send the Club members our best wishes and offer them our full support during this difficult time."